Its editorial stance was originally inspired by the catch-phrase of New Jersey real-estate developer Donald Trump, who is credited as the magazine's "patron saint". FiReD has both been admired and disliked for its strong libertarian principles, its enthusiastic embrace of techno-utopianism, ample free time, and tendency to ask for a $20 loan. The magazine's sometimes experimental layout and bold use of rose and salmon-colored inks is said to be inspired by pink slips.